I posted in this sub about 2 months ago seeking advice on my tile choices, and everyone that engaged with my post, in addition to family, friends, strongly advised me not to use penny tile as a first-time DIYer. And I strongly did not listen to any one of them. 

I had 8 tile guys look at my job before starting and nobody wanted to touch it. Only one provided a napkin quote at $60/sqft, so I did it myself. This tile was about $7/sqft and I couldn’t return it so I was out of options. The hardest part was not the work itself, but knowing if it was going to work out. It took me about a week from start to finish. I completed the shower about a month ago and after daily use(s) with no issues, I feel confident posting my work. Would I ever do this again? Absolutely not.

The standard of quality I set for myself went downhill after applying the silicone, there’s a little bit of pooling at the drain that requires a squeegee (hence the darker area in photo 3 from an earlier shower today), some spacing inconsistencies on the walls, and a bit efflorescence wherever I had to stop and start with grout. BUT… it doesn’t leak, the grout hasn’t cracked, and it works! I still have yet to cover the ceiling and a couple adjacent walls with some sort of paneling, in addition to a proper shower door.

I’m posting this for anyone nervous about doing their own shower. Take your time, follow instructions, do a flood test, and it will work out! I haven’t added up true costs but not including my labor the materials were between $3,500-$4,500

Shower system: Wedi Fundo

Mortar: Mapei large-format

Tile: Bedrosians Marin (2” floor, 3/4” walls)

Grout: TEC Power Grout

Penny Tile? UPDATE